What's the best setup to submersed Cryptos?

[André Alcantara]

Hi Cryptofriends, That's my question.

I will start a new tank (390L) aquascape using cryptocorines, anubias and microsoruns.

What about Light? Substrate? PH?


Thank you very much!

André

[Verminator]

I have a 180L aquarium using crypts, rock and wood. Very simple, i find it hard to scape them well seeing as my crypts clump together and form large masses dotted around instead of growing in a typical "bushy" way, forming plant cover is quite hard i have found.

My lights i'm currently unable to specify what they're running at, but i'd class them under "bright lights". My pH is at a pretty much constant 7.0 and i have grown my crypts in both soil, sand and small stones. They tend to grow really easily and don't usually take much encouragement to grow well and form strong roots.

Mine usually take about 2 weeks to establish themselves fully but fresh growth often occurs a day or two after planting.

Hope this helps. Anubias and microsoruns i have little experience with. Sorry.

[lorba]

Most crypts like fast water flow. So it is beneficial if you have lots of current going through the crypt clusters.

To have them growing in big clusters, close together, try to plant the entire pot (unpot it of course) as a cluster, not separating them.

pH of 6.6 - 6.8 should be good for the plant choices.

If you have the pendant type of lights, i suggest switching on MH for 2-3hours/mid day and the rest with the FL or T5 that comes with it. This ensures the shade plants grow well, short and compact, not leggy with a full-low-light-set-up.

[André Alcantara]

Thank you.

Anyone?